Resources
Attention all high school students! Are you passionate about public speaking and eager to enhance your communication skills? Participating in public speaking competitions not only helps you develop confidence but also provides a platform to showcase your talent, engage in intellectual discourse, and gain recognition. Below are some premier public speaking competitions designed specifically for high school students:
1. National Speech & Debate Tournament
The NSDA National Tournament is the largest speech and debate competition in the U.S., attracting thousands of students annually. It features diverse categories such as Lincoln-Douglas, policy, and public forum debate, as well as extemporaneous and dramatic speaking. Competitors sharpen their research, rhetorical, and critical thinking skills while engaging in high-level discourse. This prestigious event not only prepares students for careers in law, politics, and communication but also fosters confidence and leadership. Winners receive national recognition and scholarship opportunities.
Location: United States (National Level)
Program Dates: June 2025
Eligibility: Open to middle and high school students who qualify through regional tournaments
2. World Schools Debating Championship (WSDC)
The WSDC is a premier international debate competition where teams from different countries compete in a parliamentary debate format. It emphasizes teamwork, argumentation, and structured critical thinking, covering topics like global politics, economics, and ethics. Participants develop cross-cultural communication skills while debating high-stakes issues in front of international judges. This competition fosters collaboration, diplomacy, and global awareness, making it an invaluable experience for aspiring debaters.
Location: International (Host Country Varies)
Program Dates: Annual event, typically in July
Eligibility: Open to high school students representing their countries
3. English-Speaking Union (ESU) National Shakespeare Competition
This competition challenges students to memorize and perform Shakespearean monologues and sonnets, honing their public speaking and theatrical interpretation skills. Participants explore Shakespeare’s language, themes, and characters, improving their comprehension and dramatic presence. The event culminates in a national final in New York City, where winners earn scholarships and may perform at Shakespeare’s Globe in London.
Location: United States
Program Dates: March (Finals held in New York City)
Eligibility: Open to high school students in the U.S.
4. The Optimist International Oratorical Contest
This annual oratory competition inspires students to develop and deliver persuasive speeches on themes of optimism, leadership, and societal impact. Participants practice writing, rhetoric, and delivery, boosting their confidence and ability to express complex ideas effectively.
Location: United States & Canada
Program Dates: February – May 2025
Eligibility: Students under 18
5. The American Legion Oratorical Contest
This prestigious competition promotes constitutional knowledge and public speaking skills, challenging students to present prepared and impromptu speeches on topics related to the U.S. Constitution.
Location: United States
Program Dates: January – April 2025
Eligibility: U.S. high school students
6. The International Public Speaking Competition (IPSC)
The IPSC, organized by the English-Speaking Union (ESU), is one of the largest public speaking contests in the world. It brings together students from different countries to present speeches on current global issues.
Location: London, UK
Program Dates: May 2025
Eligibility: High school students nominated by national ESU organizations
7. The Ronald Reagan Great Communicator Debate Series
This debate series focuses on political and social issues, emphasizing the role of effective communication in leadership. Inspired by former U.S. President Ronald Reagan’s speaking abilities, the competition encourages students to articulate well-reasoned arguments on policies and current affairs.
Location: United States
Program Dates: Regional rounds in early 2025, with national finals in July
Eligibility: U.S. high school students
8. The Rotary International Four-Way Test Speech Contest
Based on Rotary’s Four-Way Test, this speech contest emphasizes ethics, integrity, and responsible decision-making. Students present original speeches evaluating real-world situations through the lens of the Four-Way Test principles: Truth, Fairness, Goodwill, and Beneficial Outcomes.
Location: United States & International
Program Dates: Local and district contests held throughout the year
Eligibility: High school students
9. The World Individual Debating and Public Speaking Championships (WIDPSC)
WIDPSC is a prestigious international competition where students compete in persuasive speaking, interpretative reading, impromptu speaking, and parliamentary-style debates.
Location: International (Host Country Varies)
Program Dates: April 2025
Eligibility: High school students nominated by their schools
10. The Future Business Leaders of America (FBLA) Public Speaking Competition
As part of FBLA’s leadership and business events, this public speaking competition prepares students for careers in entrepreneurship, management, and corporate leadership.
Location: United States
Program Dates: State and national rounds throughout the year
Eligibility: High school students who are FBLA members
Conclusion
Participating in these competitions can provide invaluable experience, enhance your public speaking skills, and open doors to future educational and career opportunities. Whether you're interested in debate, persuasive speaking, or performance-based public speaking, these competitions offer platforms to refine your abilities and gain recognition on national and international levels.
To further explore and discover extracurricular activities that align with your interests and goals, consider visiting Extracurriculars.com. This platform offers personalized guidance, custom recommendations, and data-driven insights to help you build a strong extracurricular portfolio that stands out in college applications.
For inspiration and insight into the world of public speaking and STEM opportunities, check out this video by Rishab Jain: Ultimate AP CLASS Tier Ranking (Guide to Survive CollegeBoard).
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